Frank Buckley

Frank has worked for the Trust since 1996. Over this time he has fulfilled a central role in the development and growth of the organisation.

Roles

• Chief Executive
• Company Secretary, The Down Syndrome Educational Trust and DownsEd Limited
• Lead Systems Architect and Software Developer
• Publishing Executive Editor, Down Syndrome Research and Practice and Down Syndrome Online
• Technical Editor, Down Syndrome Research and Practice and Down Syndrome Online

Responsibilities

Frank is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the organisation.

Frank was appointed as Chief Executive in September 2007. He has worked for the Trust since 1997, during which time his primary responsibilities included financial management and accounting, information systems development and support, personnel management, legal and regulatory oversight, fundraising, marketing and publishing activities.

Frank is a proficient programmer with skills in many areas of software, database and web site development. He has led the development of web sites and publishing systems since 1996 and maintains the Trust's IT systems and networks. As well as his extensive operational experience, Frank has maintained a close interest in the professional and scientific work of the organisation. During 2006/7, Frank led the 2007-2012 Strategy Review.

Following Frank's appointment as Chief Executive, the Trust is recruiting a Finance Manager and a Systems Developer to assume some of his current responsibilities.

Current project involvement

• Down Syndrome Online
• Down Syndrome Research and Practice
• Down Syndrome Topics
• Down Syndrome Abstracts
• Down Syndrome Records
• Down Syndrome Databank
• Down Syndrome Archive

Background

Frank was educated at The Portsmouth Grammar School and Wells Cathedral School . Prior to joining The Down Syndrome Educational Trust, Frank managed hospitality and convenience retail businesses for a property development subsidiary of British Aerospace plc.

Frank's elder sister has Down syndrome. His mother led the early reading research that began the Trust's work and was instrumental in the founding of the Trust.

Frank married Angela Byrne (a research psychologist at the Trust) in 2003. They have three young boys, aged 4, 3 and 1 years.

Frank's interests include philosophy, European literature, politics, biology, neuroscience and physics. He enjoys squash, skiing, walking and wine.

Selected publications

• Buckley F, Sacks B. Multi-nutrient formulas and other substances as therapies for Down syndrome: an overview. Down Syndrome News and Update. 1998;1(2);70-83. doi:10.3104/perspectives.144 [Open Access Full Text ]